Dikici, Emrah; Altin, Sevgi; Isik, Mesut; Aggul, Ahmet Gokhan; Koksal, Ekrem; Rudrapal, Mithun

This study focused on assessing the phenolic composition and biological activities of the ethanol extract of Tilia platyphyllos, including its anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, and antioxidant potential. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 14 phenolic compounds, with catechin as the major component. The total phenolic/flavonoid contents were determined as 48.07 µg GAE/mg and 88.46 µg QE/mg, respectively. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, with radical scavenging activities of 20.61 ± 1.52% for DPPH and 28.13 ± 1.61% for ABTS at 0.2 μg/mL. It also inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation by approximately 51%, exhibiting greater efficacy than the standart antioxidants Trolox and α-tocopherol. In terms of cholinesterase inhibition, the extract showed potent activity against AChE and BChE, with IC₅₀ values of 1.08 ± 0.02 µg/mL and 1.18 ± 0.08 µg/mL, respectively—markedly more effective than tacrine, which had IC50 values of 3.19 ± 0.11 µg/mL for AChE and 2.51 ± 0.03 µg/mL for BChE. For antidiabetic evaluation, α-glucosidase inhibition was observed with an IC50 of 0.44 ± 0.01 µg/mL, outperforming acarbose (3.24 ± 0.09 µg/mL). These findings suggest that the phenolic-rich extract of Tilia platyphyllos may possess notable antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities, highlighting its potential as a functional food or natural therapeutic agent.

Yılmaz, Rabia; Aktaş, Mehmet; Şimşek, Samed

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, often results in complications that impact vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Due to the high morbidity and mortality of diabetic complications, there is a need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this study evaluates the therapeutic effects of Berberis crataegina, which contains bioactive compounds with potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective benefits, on liver and kidney function in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan, and after a 19-day treatment period, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed on blood and tissue samples. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined, while LC-MS/MS analysis identified the major bioactive compounds. In diabetic rats, liver enzymes significantly increased, and serum insulin levels decreased, indicating hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. However, treatment improved these parameters, reduced HbA1c levels, and led to improved glycemic control. Histopathological analysis showed severe renal and hepatic damage in diabetic rats, which was significantly mitigated by treatment. Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong free radical scavenging ability, as shown by DPPH and FRAP activities, which correlated with high total phenolic and flavonoid content. In addition, LC-MS/MS analysis identified quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid as the major bioactive compounds, further supporting the plant's potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. These findings suggest that Berberis crataegina has significant potential to protect against diabetes-induced liver and kidney damage and improve glycemic control, highlighting its therapeutic potential for diabetes management.